Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)

Introduction: Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)

Rapid evacuation of fluids from the body, which can be caused by cholera or other diarrheal diseases, may lead to chronic dehydration and eventually death. Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS - also known as Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT)) are a solution of sugars and salts which helps to slow the evacuation of fluids, allowing for the absorption of electrolytes in the intestines. Though approximately 80 percent of individuals affected by cholera could be treated successfully using ORS, only about 35 percent of families in diarrhea-stricken countries utilize the treatment because improvement is not seen immediately.

In countries affected by outbreaks of diarrheal illness, pre-mixed ORS sachets are frequently distributed to help halt the spread of the bacteria which can spread quickly in areas with poor sanitation or a lack of potable water (clean drinking water). ORS can also be useful for backpackers or climbers who may be affected by diarrheal illness or dehydration due to contaminated water, and pre-mixed sachets are frequently available at outdoor supply stores. When pre-mixed sachets are not available, an ORS solution can be made easily using common household ingredients.

Please Note: Information and recipes provided here are from The Rehydration Project and the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Oral Rehydration Salts should be administered under supervision of an individual with appropriate training whenever possible and clean water MUST ALWAYS be used for all preparations. If you are unsure about the quality of the water you are using, PLEASE BE SURE TO BOIL it before using to help kill off any bacteria that may be present.

Step 1: You'll Need. . .

1 liter of purified water (Please Note: if you are unsure about the quality of the water you are using, please be sure to boil it before making the solution to kill off any bacteria that may be present)

1/2 teaspoon table salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

8 teaspoons white sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt substitute (optional but recommended - I didn't have any so it isn't pictured here) (note: provides potassium which is important for water balance in the body)

Step 3: Things to Note

Make sure to measure all ingredients in the ORS solutions carefully. Mis-measured solutions can be harmful to individuals experiencing dehydration.

ORS solutions should only be made using purified, cooled water. Do not use water that may be contaminated without boiling it well first. Boiled water should be allowed to cool fully before using it for ORS solutions.

Always have plenty of purified water on hand to administer to the individual receiving ORS as their diarrhea/dehydration subsides.

For individuals going camping/hiking/climbing/etc., the salt, sugar, and baking soda (and salt substitute if using) needed for ORS can be measured and mixed ahead of time and stored in a small baggie or other container for use if an individual begins experiencing diarrheal illness or dehydration.

Comments

I would like to suggest using sea salt or some other natural (less processed) salt and raw sugar. Table salt and white sugar are the unhealthier versions of their less refined counterparts and less gentle on the intestines.

If someone does use these ingredients they need to remember that a cup of the sea salt or raw sugar is not the same as the more processed version. Cooks that are using sea salt typically use more of it than they would use if used table salt.

I wonder if I put the ingredients in a coffee grinder (the cheap grinder with the blades .... it just cuts the ingredients up) and blend it till it is very fine. I figure since the ingredients are finer it would be more likely to be absorbed by the body quicker. This would be helpful with people that are vomiting.

While Gatorade or similar products may be helpful for individuals with mild dehydration, Oral Rehydration Salts are intended for individuals with severe dehydration resulting from diarrheal illnesses like cholera, etc.

I am still missing for how long should this product be consumed so as to be considered rehydrated... 6 hours is ok?

I read that 5 minutes of water or milk under a fire should be enough to have it pasteurized (free of any bacteria). That is at least having water heated at 65 c degrees during a minute, should do... You don't need to boil it, really...